SPY vs ZION: SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This SPY vs ZION comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and Zions Bancorporation, N.A. side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.

Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and Zions Bancorporation, N.A. have historically performed against each other.

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 1993 to 2025 (33 years)

Head-to-Head Record

18
SPY Wins
0
Ties
15
ZION Wins

Over the 33-year comparison period, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Zions Bancorporation, N.A. in 18 years, while Zions Bancorporation, N.A. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 15 years.

SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

Average Annual Return:+11.71%
Best Year:+37.39% (1995)
Worst Year:-36.24% (2008)
Win Rate:81.8% (27/33 years)
Total Value:$250,597.02
Total Gain:+$240,597.02 (+2405.97%)

ZION - Zions Bancorporation, N.A.

Average Annual Return:+14.93%
Best Year:+127.11% (1995)
Worst Year:-48.37% (2009)
Win Rate:57.5% (23/40 years)
Total Value:$275,219.46
Total Gain:+$265,219.46 (+2652.19%)

Overall Winner: ZION with an average annual return of 14.93% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding SPY vs ZION Performance

When comparing SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and Zions Bancorporation, N.A., investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.

Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.

Cumulative Growth Comparison

A $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust grew to $250,597, compared to $275,219 for Zions Bancorporation, N.A. over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeZION ReturnZION CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1993 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1994+8.71%$10,870.91-0.27%$22,570.28+8.98% (SPY)SPY
1995+0.67%$10,943.47+1.35%$22,874.33-0.68% (ZION)ZION
1996+37.39%$15,035.16+127.11%$51,949.23-89.72% (ZION)ZION
1997+21.20%$18,223.19+33.37%$69,284.62-12.17% (ZION)ZION
1998+33.14%$24,261.81+79.69%$124,498.70-46.55% (ZION)ZION
1999+28.03%$31,063.11+38.56%$172,511.33-10.53% (ZION)ZION
2000+20.66%$37,482.18-0.67%$171,359.78+21.33% (SPY)SPY
2001-8.85%$34,165.23+14.81%$196,732.29-23.66% (ZION)ZION
2002-10.13%$30,703.75-10.97%$175,140.97+0.84% (SPY)SPY
2003-22.42%$23,820.14-22.48%$135,775.90+0.06% (SPY)SPY
2004+24.18%$29,580.86+53.92%$208,986.49-29.74% (ZION)ZION
2005+10.75%$32,760.13+15.41%$241,196.23-4.66% (ZION)ZION
2006+5.32%$34,504.59+14.42%$275,975.73-9.09% (ZION)ZION
2007+13.84%$39,281.03+9.79%$302,991.06+4.05% (SPY)SPY
2008+5.33%$41,375.53-42.34%$174,699.15+47.67% (SPY)SPY
2009-36.24%$26,382.38-43.72%$98,320.94+7.48% (SPY)SPY
2010+22.65%$32,359.23-48.37%$50,765.48+71.02% (SPY)SPY
2011+13.14%$36,610.39+82.10%$92,444.86-68.96% (ZION)ZION
2012+0.85%$36,922.44-35.18%$59,918.76+36.04% (SPY)SPY
2013+14.17%$42,154.69+27.87%$76,619.46-13.70% (ZION)ZION
2014+29.00%$54,380.19+36.88%$104,877.49-7.88% (ZION)ZION
2015+14.56%$62,298.86-3.31%$101,401.39+17.88% (SPY)SPY
2016+1.29%$63,101.60-2.76%$98,598.82+4.05% (SPY)SPY
2017+13.59%$71,674.43+62.78%$160,495.77-49.19% (ZION)ZION
2018+20.78%$86,569.38+18.90%$190,827.06+1.88% (SPY)SPY
2019-5.25%$82,026.91-18.04%$156,392.66+12.80% (SPY)SPY
2020+31.09%$107,527.02+28.35%$200,732.13+2.74% (SPY)SPY
2021+17.24%$126,059.55-14.03%$172,566.23+31.27% (SPY)SPY
2022+30.51%$164,514.60+50.88%$260,363.82-20.37% (ZION)ZION
2023-18.65%$133,838.54-21.37%$204,731.54+2.72% (SPY)SPY
2024+26.71%$169,585.78-4.94%$194,618.56+31.65% (SPY)SPY
2025+25.59%$212,981.61+27.41%$247,955.63-1.82% (ZION)ZION
2026+17.66%$250,597.02+11.00%$275,219.46+6.67% (SPY)SPY

Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means SPY outperformed ZION that year.

Company Profiles

1

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

SPY

SPY is the first exchange-traded fund (ETF) listed in the US. It is designed to track the S&P 500 Index, which measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the US equity market.

Key Innovations

  • First US-listed ETF

Business Segments

  • ETF
    Passive investment vehicle tracking the S&P 500.
2

Zions Bancorporation, N.A.

ZION

Zions Bancorporation is a premier financial services company and is a member of the S&P 500. It operates through local brands in 11 Western states, providing banking and mortgage services.

Key Innovations

  • Local brand management model

Business Segments

  • Commercial Banking
    Lending and deposit services for businesses.
  • Retail Banking
    Consumer banking.

How This Comparison Works

Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:

  • Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
  • Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
  • Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
  • Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates

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Important Disclaimer

This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.